The Legislative Management Committee is preparing to take Gov. Doug Burgum to court.

The issue is whether or not Burgum can veto conditions placed on certain appropriations without vetoing the expenditure. In a few of the bills he used his line-item veto on, Burgum took out some language – and left the money in the bill.

An Attorney General’s opinion again raises questions about the Legislature designating too much power to the Budget Section.

The opinion dealt with 9 vetoes issued by Gov. Doug Burgum. In five of the cases, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem held that the vetoes were perfectly permissible. Stenehjem said in two cases, the vetoes were not permissible.

It appears a special Legislative session to override Governor Burgum’s vetoes is not likely.

The Governor vetoed three bills – as well as parts of others.

When the Legislature adjourned, it left three days for a potential special session.

Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner R-Dickinson) has been talking to his Senate caucus members – and to the Senate Democrats – and he said there isn’t much of an appetite to come back. Wardner said there’s more interest among House members to come back for overrides.

Dalrymple says one section in House Bill 1003 appears to prevent the Board of Higher Education from negotiating a multi-year contract with a new Chancellor. In his veto message, Dalrymple said that conflicted with the state Constitution, which provides that the Board appoints the Chancellor for a three year term.